Chapter 36 – Common Ground

Rhinure decided that she had probably married the most infuriating elf in Arda – she must have done something to displease the Valar to be saddled with such a fate. Legolas, completely oblivious to her ire, cheerfully smiled at her. His blue eyes twinkled as he looked over Rhinure’s face. When black eyes finally met blue, Rhinure was certain that the innocence on his face was a intricately crafted ploy to exasperate her – no one could be that innocent. Besides, his eyes were too mirthful for him not be doing this deliberately.

“My Lord, must you persist in aggravating me?”

Legolas had managed to steer the conversation to lighter topics after the first intense hour since he was not sure his heart could stand more. His reward was Rhinure’s sharp wit and not so lifeless eyes. It was probably the most satisfying thing he had ever done. As he watched her school her face into stillness, he realised that he was having fun. With this maddening, unpredictable elleth ­– it was a novel feeling, something he would have thought impossible just a few hours ago.

Now, he found that he enjoyed pushing Rhinure, baiting her to see how long that Avari mask would stay in place.

“My Lady, you wound me with such accusations.”

Rhinure folded her hands in her lap – if they were tightly clutched Legolas did not notice. “My Lord, you did not answer the question.”

“You are correct my Lady – I did not answer.”

“Then would you kindly do so.”

“Yes, I must persist.”

Rhinure just managed to swallow a cry of frustration which would have only made Legolas grin even further. As it was, she was having a difficult time concentrating – it was her tiredness. It had to be her wound – it had nothing to do with the fact that Legolas was sitting next to her smelling of Spring, joy and all things forbidden.

Maybe if she closed her eyes, she could ignore him – pretend he was gone, pretend that his scent did not overpower every sense she had.

“My Lady, are you feeling ill? Shall I call the Healer?” Legolas carefully sat down next to her, immediately concerned when she had closed her eyes. He placed his palm on her cheek feeling her skin to see if it was cold or not.

Rhinure shivered at Legolas’ gentle touch, why could he not leave her alone? “My Lady, what ails you? Does your shoulder hurt?”

“No, my Lord, I am fine - just a little tired.”

“Are you sure, my Lady?” Legolas asked again, while the back of his hand stroked her chin. Rhinure angled her head into his hand, craving more contact with him.

“Yes, tired.”

“Then I should leave you – to rest.”

Rhinure opened her eyes to look at Legolas, “Yes, that would be best.”

Neither elf moved and Legolas’ hand continued to stroke her cheek.

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

Both Elves’ eyes were locked with the other when Rhinure became aware that there was sound coming from Ehtewen’s neighbouring room. She was awake and in pain. Rhinure had to get to her. Ehtewen was in pain.

Legolas eyes widened when he saw a flash of pain pass through Rhinure’s eyes. He did not understand what had happened but somehow his wife was in pain. “My Lady, what …?”

“Ehtewen is in pain. I need to get to her.”

Only then did Legolas become aware of the sounds coming from the First Guard’s room and the fact that they were getting louder. Rhinure tried getting out of bed but Legolas restrained her, holding her back. “My Lady, I will get the Healer, but you should stay in bed.”

Rhinure did not say anything, but the fear in her eyes made Legolas run out of the room. He could not stand the pain he saw in her eyes, at this moment he would have preferred the blankness that Rhinure usually affected. The Avari masked had slipped and Legolas was not sure whether he would ever be able to forget.

As soon as Legolas has left the room, Rhinure determinedly put her feet on the ground and pushed herself out of bed. The room spun for briefly, but Rhinure was not one to give up so easily. Using the sparse furniture, she literally dragged herself to the room where Ehtewen was lying.

She controlled her dizziness and the way her shoulder throbbed in protest but the sight of her First Guard twisting in her bed almost undid her. Ehtewen should never be in such a position – it was as if everything right in the world had suddenly ended to be replaced by a reality in which nothing was real, nothing was right.

Rhinure haltingly made it to Ehtewen’s bed, almost collapsing onto it. Her hand was shaking but she managed to smooth the wisps of Ehtewen’s dark hair back form her forehead. She could tell that the older elleth was in serious pain, the trembling lips and beads of sweat on her forehead told her as much - but how like Ehtewen to control her screams even in her sleep.

“I am here dai. I am here and I will let nothing happen to you.”

Maybe it was the soothing voice or the calming touch but Ehtewen seemed to quiet. She managed to open her eyes to look at her little Mistress. “And what are you doing out of bed, little one?”

“Your moaning disturbed me so I came to see what was the matter.”

“If I wish to moan in what looks like my room then who are you tell me that I cannot?” Though the words were aggressive, their tone was teasing. And Rhinure had no problem reading the layers of emotion beneath the words – she had spent all her life listening to this elleth, hanging on her every word, yearning for affection from her. And now, a lifetime later, she had learnt to sense what Ehtewen did not give but still felt.

“I am your beti, your choti.”                 (daughter, little one)

“Aye that you are. But still a nuisance.” Ehtewen tried to raise her hand to Rhinure’s face but it was trembling too much. Before it could fall back Rhinure clasped it, bringing it to the very cheek Legolas had been stroking just a moment ago.

“It hurts, does it not?”

“You must be more weak than you look if you have to ask such questions.”

“I will take that as a yes.”

“You may take it as whatever you wish.”

A spasm racked Ehtewen’s body, causing her to arch slightly off the bed but no sound emerged from her mouth.

“Will you leave me too?”

Ehtewen turned furious eyes on Rhinure. “I am poisoned, not dying – yet.”

Rhinure nodded, “Thank you, dai.”

“Given a choice, I will never leave you, Mistress.”

“I will hold you to that, First Guard.” Rhinure’s hand tightened around Ehtewen’s, holding it firmly in place. When Legolas and the Healer entered the found Rhinure and Ehtewen in that position, not saying anything.

Legolas was surprised and not a little angry when he saw Rhinure sitting there. Did she not understand that she should be resting, she had almost died today? “My Lady, did I not tell you to stay in bed?”

“No my Lord, you told me I should stay in bed. I choose to be here instead.” Rhinure answered calmly, her eyes never leaving Ehtewen’s face.

The Healer hid a smile behind his professional face but the Prince’s expression was almost worth seeing his patient out of bed. “Nevertheless, Prince Legolas is correct, you need to stay in bed. Your body needs to recover from the blood loss.”

Rhinure ignored what the healer said, keeping her attention on her First Guard. When Ehtewen squeezed her hand even more tightly she asked, “What is wrong with the First Guard?” From the inflection in her voice one would have been excused in thinking, she spoke of a plant – though some had been known to show more affection to their plants.

The Healer came to other side of the bed and carefully examined Ehtewen. “I think that there may be some internal bleeding. The poison seems to have weakened some of her organs.”

“Will she recover?”

“I am still here, Mistress. I am able to inquire after my own health.” Ehtewen sharp voice cut in. Rhinure waved Ehtewen to continue.

“So will I recover?”

The Healer smiled, understanding what Istion has meant about Ehtewen being a difficult patient. “Yes, my Lady, you will recover. I will give you something for the pain, and respite will take care of the rest.”

“How long will it take for her to recover?” Rhinure looked at the healer, making him feel that he had done something wrong in not healing Ehtewen immediately. He frowned when he saw Rhinure sway slightly, though her gaze remained firm.

Istion had neglected to mention that Princess Rhinure was as stubborn a patient as her First Guard, “A few days of rest will be sufficient. And that applies to you as well, my Lady. You should not be out of bed.”

“How long will I have to stay in bed?”

“At least till tomorrow.”

“Then I will stay in bed till the morning.” Rhinure said it with such finality that the Healer did not know what to say. He thought it best not to argue; the Princess did not seem to be in an understanding mood.

Rhinure rose from the bed without assistance. Ehtewen looked at her and gave her the Avari salute. Rhinure nodded and turned to walk out of the room, back ever so straight.

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

Legolas followed Rhinure out of the room, while the Healer remained to sedate Ehtewen. Legolas kept a close eye on Rhinure, not liking the stiffness in her gait. Her walk had always been fluid before, but now her shoulders were stiff as if every muscle has been tightly locked into place.

*~ She is not well, even I can see that. Why must she be so stubborn?~*

Legolas closed the door between Ehtewen’s and Rhinure’s rooms to allow the First Guard more privacy. Anyway, he wanted a few words with his wife. But as soon as the door was closed, it was as if someone had cut the strings holding Rhinure up. Legolas caught her in his arms as she collapsed a short distance from the bed.

“You should never have left your bed,” Legolas almost growled at her. “Look at you, you are almost fainting.

“Almost does not mean I will,” Rhinure answered, keeping her voice steady if a little low.

*~ Stubborn elleth. ~* Legolas did not say anything, guiding her to bed and laying her down. When she tried to get up again he gently pushed her back down shaking his head. He watched her as she lay on the pillow, calming her breathing.

“Why did you leave your bed?”

“I had to see her.” Rhinure turned to her side, avoiding Legolas’ eyes. How could she explain her desperation? She had lost Morion today – the thought of losing Ehtewen as well was too much to bear.

“I hope it was worth it,” Legolas’ kind tone made her turn back. It seemed as if he understood without having been told.

“Yes, it was.”

“But now you must stay in bed.”

“Till the morning.”

“Yes, till the morning.” Legolas had the feeling that it was the best concession her was going to get from her.

He gently stroked her forehead, “I want you to get better soon.”

“I will, my Lord. You have my word on it.”

Rhinure’s hand removed Legolas’ from her forehead. “Would you do something for me?”

Legolas nodded, noting that she did not let his hand go.

“Will you get some rest yourself? In your own bed, and not in that chair?”

Legolas’ first instinct was to refuse, he did not want her to be alone, but he knew he could have someone else watch over her tonight.

*~ Admit it, you do not want anyone else here, except you. ~*

“As my Lady wishes.”

Rhinure let go of his hand, and turned over, letting the exhaustion overtake her. Watching her sleep, Legolas realised that his body was aching with tiredness as well. It was time to get some rest.

He bent over to brush his lips over Rhinure’s cheek, “Good night, my Lady.” Expecting no answer, he left the room.

“Good night, my Lord.” Rhinure caressed the spot where his lips had touched her skin.

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

Rhinure felt the presence of another in her room and her hands instinctively went for her daggers, appalled to find that they were missing.

“Do you look for these, Mistress?” Istion held out Rhinure’s blades, which she calmly took from him, placing them back inside her armbands.

“Yes, Istion. When did you return?”

*~ I have missed you. ~*

“A few hours ago.”

*~ You looked so peaceful asleep. ~*

“Why was I not awakened?”

*~ Why did you not come to see me? ~*

“I thought you needed your rest.”

*~ I wanted to spare you the pain as much as possible. ~*

Rhinure nodded, recognising the concern in Istion’s voice even if he did not say it. “Were they any problems on the Patrol?”

*~ Were any of my Avari injured? ~*

“None. We did not find any sign of the orcs. They seem to have retreated.”

*~ We all came back unharmed. You need not worry. ~*

“Did you find the bodies?”

*~ Was Morion’s spared? ~*

“Unfortunately not, Mistress. The Orcs must have taken them, as you predicted.”

*~ I am sorry I could not bring Morion back. ~*

“Did you recover the Blades?”

*~ Will I be able to give me people something to mourn? ~*

Istion nodded, drawing two Blades from behind him – they were still covered in blood.

*~ We will remember. ~*

Rhinure took the Blades from Istion, cradling them in her hands.

*~ I will not forget, I will remember. Your deaths will be avenged. ~*

Istion watched his Mistress. When she turned her black eyes on him, they burned cold again and Istion knew that the Orcs would not be given any quarter. And he was pleased.

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

“… think that the Orcs retreated back. We decided not to pursue them since we were not sure how many more were waiting. We have sent trackers to shadow them.” Faelon finished his report.

Legolas asked, “How did they get so close to our borders in the first place?”

“That is uncertain at this point, my Lord. The trees did not sense something wrong till they were close.”

Legolas frowned, not liking the answer one bit. But for now he held his peace. It would not do to speculate in front of the Company. He would need to speak to his father about this.

“Well they have retreated so for now we can ignore them. The Border Patrol will handle it.”

Faelon nodded, accepting the Prince’s diversionary tactic even though the Patrol had failed once.

“When we return to the Palace I will increase the frequency of the patrols,” Legolas conceded, noting the worried expression on his Captain’s face.

Faelon nodded a little more cheerfully this time – his Prince would handle the situation.

“How did the Avari perform?” Legolas asked curiously.

“Surprisingly well, my Lord. They are very well trained and follow orders unquestioningly. They did not seem to have any problems with following my orders – though it is difficult to know what they think. They are uncannily silent, they do not speak unless spoken to and even then are abrupt with their answers. It is difficult to distinguish between them – they seem so … characterless. With the exception of Istion and Agorion I would be hard pressed to describe any of them.”

Legolas nodded, encouraging the Lieutenant to continue.

“I did get the impression that Istion did not want them mingling with us too freely. If I had a question it was implied that I should ask him. The rest of the Avari could be extensions of him as far as I can tell.”

Legolas has noted this when Rhinure was leading them as well. The Avari did not sit with the Silvan Elves; they did not share the fire, or the food. There was no chance of camaraderie forming between two groups and Legolas wondered if that was Rhinure’s intent. She did not offer much about herself or her people. At first Legolas thought that was just her natural inclination, but now he could see that all the Avari shared this reticence. They kept away from the Wood-elves, and that intrigued Legolas. While he had no doubt that the Wood-elves could have been more welcoming, the lack of overtures from the Avari made him suspicious.

“The only time I got the hint of something lying underneath was when we found what they call their Blades.” Faelon shivered, causing Legolas to look at him sharply. “My Lord, when Istion picked up the swords I got a glimpse at his face. It was as if someone had cut his heart out. The rest of the Avari looked as if Death had her grip on their throats. It was so fleeting that I could have been mistaken.”

“Why does that disturb you so?”

“My Lord, it was as if I suddenly watched a corpse move. No, that is unjust of me. The only way I can describe it is as if it was watching a statue scream. It was most unusual, my Lord.”

Faelon fell silent, both he and his Prince contemplating what he had said. Neither liked the thought of a fellow Elf being in pain and it was doubly hard when they were unable to offer sympathy or help. The Wood-elves had seen death and pain before, and had found their strength in sharing it. To see another creature in pain was hard for them – but to see it deny what it felt was even worse.

“My Lord,” Faelon raised his voice tentatively, “is it true that Morion, the elf that died, was Princess Rhinure’s uncle?”

“Yes, Lieutenant, he was my uncle. On my father’s side.”

Faelon looked over Legolas’ shoulder to see Rhinure standing there, Istion behind her. He wondered how much she had heard, but her face gave nothing away. He digested the news, unsure of why he had asked the question. He wanted to offer his sympathies, and tell his Princess that he understood. But how could he? He had never had to drive a blade through his uncle’s heart.

He was still unsure whether the act was one of courage or cruelty.

Legolas on the other hand, took Rhinure’s presence smoothly in stride. If she had heard then he could not change it and if she had not – then it was even better. He was sure Rhinure would have approved of his practical attitude.

“My Lady, what are you doing out of bed?”

“Coming to see you, my Lord.”

“Should you be out of bed, my Lady?”

“It is the morning, and the Healer said that I would need only till the morning.”

Legolas pursued his lips and decided not to argue. Rhinure after all had promised to stay in bed till the morning – and even if the Sun had just risen, it was the morning.

“What did you want to see me about?”

“Do we ride for the Palace today?”

“Yes, my Lady. In a few hours.”

Rhinure nodded and then fell silent. Legolas waited to see what more she was going to stay. “My Lord, I heard that you did not recover the body of the Silvan Elf.”

“No, my Lady, we did not.” Legolas’ face closed up and his eyes narrowed. Why did she ask him this when Istion could have told her as much?

“Is not the body important for a Silvan funeral?”

“Yes it is. We burn it, but since we could not recover the body we cannot hold a funeral.”

“My Lord, we recovered his sword. If you cannot give him a Silvan funeral then may we give him an Avari one?”

Legolas blinked, taken aback by the request. Before he could say anything, Faelon jumped in, “My Lady, forgive me boldness but why would you wish to do so?”

“He died fighting with the Avari, Lieutenant. We would honour him. He deserves a memorial service.”

“My Lady, we can hold a remembrance for him as we consign his fea to Mandos.” Legolas pointed out quietly.

“That is true my Lord, but you cannot hold an internment.”

“That we cannot.”

“We wish to give him one.”

“We will ask his family and do what they wish. But we thank you for the offer, my Lady.”

“There is no thanks necessary, my Lord. You would have done the same for any of us.” Rhinure remembered the vehemence that Legolas had displayed when she had suggested leaving the bodies. He would have made sure that each Avari had a proper memorial service, a Silvan one if need be.

Faelon watched as Rhinure took leave of Legolas. Before she could go back into the house, he stepped forward and saluted her. It was the least he could do.

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

“Mistress, he was not Avari.”

“No Istion, he was not.”

“And you would still honour him in Avari fashion.”

“He died protecting us, do you not think he deserved as much?”

“Mistress, he was not Clan.” Istion repeated. No non-Avari had, in his memory, been accorded such honour as Rhinure was planning to accord this nameless Elf.

“Istion he is dead, does it really matter if we remember him in Avari fashion or Silvan? He no longer breathes and it may be our fault. Would you begrudge him this?”

“No, Mistress, I would not. It is just … unprecedented.”

“Then we create a new precedence.”

“As my Sacrifice wishes.”

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

Rhinure turned from the mirror to see Legolas enter the room. He was dressed in his royal tunic once more, the silver thread catching the early morning light to make him sparkle. Her prince had returned, and as she looked at his blue eyes, he was displeased.

“My Lady, you are dressed for riding.”

Rhinure glanced back at her black tunic and armour and arched her brow – it seemed as if the Sacrifice had returned as well.

“It is customary if one expects to ride, my Lord.”

“You are still weak.”

Rhinure’s eyes hardened as she looked at him in the mirror, “I am strong enough to do this.”

Legolas sighed, pushing his worry for her aside. He stepped closer to her, almost touching her. “Must you do this? You could ride with me.”

“My Lord, I am Sacrifice. I must ride.”

Legolas nodded, he recognised the determined gleam in Rhinure’s eyes. It was too familiar. Less customary was what Rhinure said next.

“When Morion’s Blade is carried into Mirkwood I would rather it be carried by his Sacrifice. I will not dishonour his memory by letting someone else carry it. I will not dishonour his memory by being weak.”

Legolas looked in the mirror at the elleth dressed in black, who kept her carriage erect and eyes calm. He saw the way she disregarded any residual pain, any lingering fatigue. If this was important to her, then he could not deny it to her. But he would try.

“My Lady, …”

Before he could say anything else, Rhinure turned around and placed her palm on his mouth, stopping any further words.

“The Avari expect it of me. I must do my duty, my Lord.”

Legolas clasped the hand covering his mouth, kissing it silently. He bent down to pick up her karha, slowly placing it on for her. His eyes followed his fingers as he slipped on the silver rings. Rhinure watched him when he clasped the bracelet on, learning the way his face looked, the way his hair fell across his face, partially hiding the concern that he ignored because she asked it of him.

Legolas straightened from his task and took Rhinure’s cloak before she could move. He placed is around her shoulders, tying it to her. Rhinure did not move as his long fingers came up to cup her chin, lifting her face so that his eyes could look into her own.

“Come my Lady. We ride for home.”

 x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

A/N: dai is like a “nanny” or care-giver but it is an affectionate term.

And Ehtewen is NOT Rhinure’s mother – the term beti was meant affectionately.